A chunk of Tees moorland could soon be the proud possessor of a new title.

Eston Moor is in line to be declared a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) after Redcar and Cleveland Council's Cabinet approved the idea.

The moor, which includes part of Eston Nab, comprises 108 hectares of lowland heath.

LNRs help protect places with wildlife or geological features of special interest locally.

They aim to:

* Increase people's awareness and enjoyment of their natural environment.

* Provide an environment to learn about and study nature, and protect wildlife habitats.

* Help build relationships between local authorities, nature conservation organisations and local people.

* Offer a positive use for land which local authorities would prefer was left undeveloped.

* Make it easier to apply bye-laws to help manage and protect the site.

The council's legal department will now formally apply to Natural England for the status to be granted.

There are more than 1,050 LNRs in England, covering almost 40,000 hectares and ranging from windswept coastal headlands, ancient woodlands and flower-rich meadows to former inner city railways, long abandoned landfill sites and industrial areas now re-colonised by wildlife.

A report by Eston Hills warden David Spencer says not to pursue LNR status would "miss an opportunity to raise the profile of Eston Moor and build on the success achieved to date."

Securing it, however, would "help promote long-term management and thus protection of important lowland heat habitat and associated wildlife, as well as a variety of archaeological remains, providing diverse green open space for visitors and educational activities."

The council gets £15,112 a year to manage the moor through an agreement with Defra.